Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title:

Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer plays a key role in improving supplier performance and ensuring uninterrupted production by driving quality, delivery, and capacity improvements at critical supplier sites. This position focuses on analyzing performance issues, implementing corrective actions, and leading supplier development initiatives in close collaboration with internal stakeholders across Procurement, Quality, and Operations.

Responsibilities

+ Visit key supplier sites regularly to analyze performance issues and identify root causes impacting quality, delivery, and capacity.

+ Coordinate and implement improvement strategies at suppliers, including purchase order alignment, process enhancements, and quality system improvements.

+ Expedite critical parts at critical suppliers to remove roadblocks and ensure zero disruption to the production line.

+ Work with suppliers to establish clear back-to-purchase-order recovery plans through harmonized lines of balance and maintain daily follow-up to track progress.

+ Align with key internal stakeholders to prepare a clear mandate for supplier interventions, regularly follow up on action items, and ensure a smooth handover once objectives are met.

+ Identify supplier improvement opportunities and risk mitigation strategies at key supplier sites and manage the execution of these improvement activities.

+ Drive the execution of supplier performance improvement plans and collaborate with internal and external partners to pursue sustainable solutions and close action plans.

+ Work closely with Procurement, Quality, and Operations teams to create and maintain supplier development plans focused on quality, delivery, capacity, and process capability.

+ Provide regular, structured feedback to all relevant stakeholders on supplier support progress, including status updates on corrective actions and performance metrics.

+ Communicate effectively with internal and external groups, ensuring timely escalation of issues that may impact production or customer commitments.

+ Conduct thorough onsite capacity and capability reviews at supplier facilities and establish clear action plans to address identified gaps.

+ Coordinate personal work travel, including reservations, itineraries, follow-up, expense claims, and related financial reviews.

+ Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize activities based on impact and urgency, and maintain momentum on supplier improvement initiatives.

+ Apply strong ethical standards and a customer-focused mindset when making decisions and interacting with suppliers and internal teams.

Essential Skills

+ Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a relevant field such as supplier quality, quality engineering, quality assurance, or operations.

+ Bachelor's degree in Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.

+ Extensive experience in manufacturing and production environments, including working with sub-tier suppliers.

+ Strong expertise in supplier quality, quality control, quality assurance, and audit practices.

+ Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies to address complex supplier performance issues.

+ Experience in project planning and coordination involving multiple sectors and stakeholders.

+ Expert-level computer skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

+ Ability to work extremely independently and engage with new suppliers with minimal guidance.

+ Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively prioritize work.

+ Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.

+ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with internal and external partners.

+ Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

+ Readiness to travel up to 70% of the time to supplier locations.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Knowledge of avionics, AC systems (hydraulic and fuel), and electronics.

+ Experience supporting suppliers in industries such as aerospace and electronics.

+ Operational and financial management knowledge is considered an asset.

+ Strong understanding of business relationships and dynamics between suppliers and internal stakeholders.

+ Customer-focused mindset with a strong sense of ethics.

+ Experience conducting thorough capacity and capability reviews at supplier sites.

+ Ability to provide clear, structured feedback and status reporting to stakeholders.

+ Strong organizational skills to manage travel logistics, expense claims, and related financial reviews.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in the Quality Department and follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position requires frequent travel, up to approximately 70% of the time, to supplier locations in regions such as Washington and Oregon. The work environment is highly collaborative, involving close interaction with Procurement, Quality, and Operations…